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I will be at the Subway on 59 and I-10 at 6:30 PM to escort new members to Starhill. I will conduct a briefing in daylight regarding the Messier list and general observing techniques. I will also assist new members in checking out their scopes if they are unsure if they are collimated and properly equipped. I hope that other TAS members skilled in those areas could be there to help me since depending on the number of people that show it can be very hectic. As it gets dark I will assist members on how to use their star charts and how to orient to the night sky and help them locate objects. Here again it would be nice to have other skilled members availble to help if there is a large crowd. As for knocking off the entire list that is up to you.
I recommend that if you have a scope that you check it out and try to learn how to use it before attending the lab. Also I recommend that you get a telrad or some other 0 power reflex finder for your scope. Most finder scopes that come with telescopes are worthless. If you have no charts you can probably pick up the Peterson guide at a local book store. And of course bring things that will help you be comfortable such as warm clothing, lawn chairs, food and beverages, iPods or whatever. If you are not sure about your scope bring it to the next general meeting. Also read this http://www.stargazers.org/Documents/Observing%20Clubs/Messier/Messier%20Log%20Intro.pdf. It will breif you on how you must record your observations. At a minimum bring something to log your messiers or you can print out the appropriate log located at this link http://www.stargazers.org/documents.htm. You could also print the early spring log and you may wish to also print the winter and late spring log or you could print the complete log and go from there.
In regards to camping you may camp there on any evening since you are a member and you can certainly bring your family. There is a house with a working bathroom availible if you don't want the completely authentic camping experience. And there is a picnic table and BBQ. There are no major hazards but there are some metal fence posts left from the fence that was there. Bill has talked about an overnighter at Starhill in the past. Perhaps he would like to organize a campout.
There has been some talk of having a picnic. However I have my hands full with the lab so someone else is going to have to take that one on. Perhaps it will be discussed at the next general meeting.
When men are callin one another names and makin faces
and everything is a jangle and ajar
I contemplate on interstellar spaces
and gaze upon a star - Mark Twain [with a slight change by Starboy]
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